Appenzell Ausserrhoden is the most liberal canton in Switzerland
In the current freedom index from Avenir Suisse, Liechtenstein made it straight to the top of the rankings. As the most liberal canton in Switzerland, Appenzell Ausserrhoden follows in second place. The eleventh-placed canton of St.Gallen made the biggest leap up.
In this year's edition of the Avenir Suisse Freedom Index, a total of 33 civil and economic indicators were evaluated, the think tank informs in the presentation of the ranking of the Swiss cantons. Liechtenstein, which was included for the first time this year, made it from scratch to the top spot. Liechtenstein was able to collect 70 points across all indicators.
The canton of Appenzell Ausserrhoden has only one point less. Avenir Suisse wrote in a press release on the current Freedom Index that he was “overshadowed by long-time front runners Aargau and last year's winner Schwyz”. This year, however, "he succeeded in making his breakthrough to the top of the Swiss cantons". The canton was able to score points in terms of both economic and civil liberties. In the presentation, the analysts highlight, among other things, the low tax burden of an average family, the decentralization and liberal solutions in homeschooling.
With a rise above eight ranks to eleventh place, the canton of St.Gallen has made the biggest leap forward year-on-year, the analysts explain in the presentation. St.Gallen has made progress in particular with regard to public safety, and the canton has once again achieved top marks with the Public Information Act and the debt brake. As a shortcoming, the analysts chalk the canton to a burqa ban and a mandatory church tax for companies.
The sixth-placed canton of Jura has the best values for civil liberties in the freedom ranking. Last year's front runner, Schwyz, was able to maintain its top position in Switzerland this year, at least in terms of economic indicators. Overall, the canton of Schwyz achieved fourth place in the freedom index this year.